Inexpensive entry to Fountain Pens

[zethreal]

I used to have a cheap Parker fountain pen, but I lost it years ago. I've finally decided that I should get another as I loved how that one wrote & I'm tired of using throw-way BIC pens all day...

Does anyone have any recommendations for an inexpensive fountain pen that will write well? The brand doesn't really matter, neither does the material. I'd prefer ones that are a slimmer pen, but am open to just about anything... My primary constraint right now is budget.

 

[superbleu]

Pilot g78, get a medium, many find the fine is too fine.

you can get these dirt cheap on ebay. good bang for the buck value.

 

[JRobinhood]

A Lamy Safari is a great pen that isn't too expensive.

 

[zethreal]

Well, if I wanted to make sure noone ever stole my pen... that lime green lamy safari would definitely fit the bill They are sharp looking pens.

 

[superbleu]

the hot pink one would be better than the lime green.
BTW: the safari isn't exactly a slim pen.

 

[Fbones24]

If you are going to go for something in the $30 - $40 range, consider the Pilot Prera. I like it better than the low end Lamys.

You could just get a Preppy. I'm using one today.

 

[wimbouman]

Would a TWSBI Vac fit your bill?

 

[zethreal]

the hot pink one would be better than the lime green.
BTW: the safari isn't exactly a slim pen.

I realize it's not a slim pen, but I like how it looks and it doesn't look *too* big.

Would a TWSBI Vac fit your bill?

If you're referring to this: http://www.twsbi.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=Vac700-Smoke-Fountain-Pen , it's a little more than I'd like to spend right now. The 540 is closer, but I'd like to get started for under $50.

 

[Slash McCoy]

Zebra makes a FP for about $4 that looks really sharp, has decent, machine-like heft, and writes nicely. It uses cartridges and the nib appears to be non-replaceable. It won't do for fancy calligraphy at all, but it writes. Good, dependable flow. If it doesn't agree with you, then probably a $50 FP won't agree with you, either. At any rate, you will only be out four bucks. Have a look at Walgreens or walmart. Gotta look for the brand. It doesn't look like a FP.

 

[zethreal]

I'll definitely have to look that up. I love their standard ink pens & mechanical pencils. I only stopped buying them because, alas, so did my coworkers...

 

[dcobranchi]

Zebra makes a FP for about $4 that looks really sharp, has decent, machine-like heft, and writes nicely. It uses cartridges and the nib appears to be non-replaceable. It won't do for fancy calligraphy at all, but it writes. Good, dependable flow. If it doesn't agree with you, then probably a $50 FP won't agree with you, either. At any rate, you will only be out four bucks. Have a look at Walgreens or walmart. Gotta look for the brand. It doesn't look like a FP.

Is this it? http://www.amazon.com/Zebra-Stainless-Fountain-Pen-48111/dp/B00563I4Y0

 

[Slash McCoy]

http://zebrapen.com/products/pen/v-301-fountain-pen?c=30

http://www.walgreens.com/store/c/zebra-v-301-fountain-pen/ID=prod6080782-product

http://daviswebtech.wordpress.com/2011/02/15/zebra-v-301-stainless-steel-fountain-pen/ gives a meh review of the pen. I didn't experience the difficulties that the reviewer wrote of, so maybe the problems have since been addressed. I found the ink flow to be better than the entry level Lamys. The cap must be pushed on quite firmly to click in place. Maybe the reviewer just didn't push hard enough.

I like their ballpoints, too. EXCELLENT heft and hand-feel. I favor the all metal bodied F-701.

 

[DunEdinRanger]

Time to hit Walgreens!!

http://zebrapen.com/products/pen/v-301-fountain-pen?c=30

http://www.walgreens.com/store/c/zebra-v-301-fountain-pen/ID=prod6080782-product

http://daviswebtech.wordpress.com/2011/02/15/zebra-v-301-stainless-steel-fountain-pen/ gives a meh review of the pen. I didn't experience the difficulties that the reviewer wrote of, so maybe the problems have since been addressed. I found the ink flow to be better than the entry level Lamys. The cap must be pushed on quite firmly to click in place. Maybe the reviewer just didn't push hard enough.

I like their ballpoints, too. EXCELLENT heft and hand-feel. I favor the all metal bodied F-701.

 

[warhawk]

Hey Shane: I am a big LAMY fan. I own a shiny black and a lime green LAMY Safari. My budget doesn't allow me to own a $100 or more pen so the LAMY Safaris are my go to pen. I am a very proud owner of my LAMYs.

WARHAWK

 

[Slash McCoy]

Is this it? http://www.amazon.com/Zebra-Stainless-Fountain-Pen-48111/dp/B00563I4Y0

Yes, indeed. The very one.

 

[coyotewhisper]

Personally a pilot would be a good choice.

 

[Deacon Frank]

A Hero 1000 would be pretty close to a vintage Parker, IMHO.

 

[Doc4]

Pilot g78, get a medium, many find the fine is too fine.

you can get these dirt cheap on ebay. good bang for the buck value.

+1

$10 shipped worldwide, with cartridges and converter. Can't beat it.

 

[nemo]

+1

$10 shipped worldwide, with cartridges and converter. Can't beat it.

Pilot 78G with a medium nib is a great starter and all around great pen for daily use.

Remember though, the entry to fountain pens can be quite inexpensive but the exit may become very expensive.

 

[Hex]

These are a few "cheapies" that are still quite nice writers.
Sheaffer 100, No Nonsense, School Pen
Cross Solo